LEPIDOPTERA

341

with fine short hairs : the young caterpillars of some species,
however, have a number of forked setae, each of which bears
a minute drop of fluid. At this stage the larva is very inactive,
and feeds very little. At the second moult
these specialized setae disappear : there is,
as a rule, some change in colour, and the
larva becomes much mote active and vora-
cious. The pupa, which is often of fan-
tastic shape, is always fixed to some solid
object by the tail, and suspended by a
silken girdle round the middle.

The distribution of the family is world-
wide : over 1,000 species have been de-
scribed, of which ten are found in Britain.

Hibernation when it occurs is as a pupa.
Many temperate species pass the greater
part of the year in that stage, the Orange
Tip, for example, spending nine or ten
months as a chrysalis.

The sexes can be distinguished in some
species by a considerable difference in
colour, but no general rule for the family
can be laid down.

A number of species of Pieridce feed on
cultivated crucifers, but do not constitute
serious pests. Pier is brassicce, which
attacks cabbages in Britain, is a typical example.

FIG. 107.—Pupa of
Pierid (Pier is
brassicce). Lateral
view.

(After Hargreaves—
simplified.)

NYMPHALIDJE.
The fore-legs in both sexes much reduced ; their tarsi in
the male of one joint and in the female of five joints, without
claws in either case. The pupa usually suspended by the
tail and hanging down freely.
The Nymphalidce are very variable both in size and colour.
Some of the most brilliantly coloured as well as some of the
dingiest of butterflies are found in this family. The members
of the South American sub-family Brassolince resemble moths in
their habits, inasmuch that they rest during the day, flying
only in the late afternoon and evening. The British species